2023 NFL Coaching Carousel

[luckiestman]

Hackett is out. Is this the only certain opening?

Who else could be out?

Panthers (Wilks might keep job but he is currently interim)

Chargers (Payton)

Browns? (I think Stefanski is fine)

Colts (ownership likes Saturday)

Houston (Are they still paying the last guy?)

Tampa (Depends if Arians has power, he treats Bowles like a son and will not lobby to fire him).

New Orleans (Payton return?)

Arizona (I would think so but their GM is also nothing to write home about).

Let’s say we get 5 openings which seems high to me but I get surprised by this stuff sometimes. Who are candidates?

Any college guys jumping? I haven’t heard rumors but not my scene outside of Seminoles.

Bienemy always gets mentioned
Mayo mentioned already
Demeco Ryans seems like he could get a shot
Payton, it’s up to him
Wink seems like he should get a shot

I watched a lot of games this year, none of the O coordinators blew my mind.

What’s the scoop?

 

[Rudy's Curve]

I don’t think Staley is getting fired barring an epic collapse, unless they think they have Payton in the bag. They’re 8-6 with a ton of injuries and look like a playoff team at minimum with a chance to do some damage.

 

[luckiestman]

I don’t think Staley is getting fired barring an epic collapse, unless they think they have Payton in the bag. They’re 8-6 with a ton of injuries and look like a playoff team at minimum with a chance to do some damage.

I don’t think so either but it seems like the best spot for Payton and I’m not an insider so don’t really have any idea about the dynamics of the situation. Thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[E5 Yaz]

If the Cowboys flame out in the playoffs, you never know

 

[luckiestman]

If the Cowboys flame out in the playoffs, you never know

Fat Mike has exceeded my expectations but if they blow it in Tampa… maybe.

 

[cornwalls@6]

If the Cowboys flame out in the playoffs, you never know

Jerry is certainly impetuous to do that. Maybe he backs up the brinks truck for Payton.

 

[DJnVa]

If the Cowboys flame out in the playoffs, you never know

If?

Don't they always?

I have some friends that are Cowboys fans--man, they want a new coach bad.

 

[sodenj5]

I don’t think Staley is getting fired barring an epic collapse, unless they think they have Payton in the bag. They’re 8-6 with a ton of injuries and look like a playoff team at minimum with a chance to do some damage.

Staley’s seat was scorching hot but the Chargers have clawed their way back into the playoff picture, and I think he survives, much to the chagrin of Charger fans that want to see Herbert in a functional offense.

Herbert and Payton was probably the most logical pairing. Wonder if that is now Arizona as Kliff is probably in his way out and Payton might get free reign over the organization and a talented QB in Kyler, although they’re already in a tough cap spot with Kyler about to get paid huge dollars.

 

[trekfan55]

Are there any coaches who might retire?

That always comes into play.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Are there any coaches who might retire?

That always comes into play.

Really only 4 old coaches in the league right now
.. Bill, Reid, Carroll and Lovie Smith. Rivera had a health problem scare but past it. Don't think any of them will retire

 

[Phil Plantier]

I think Arizona is a certainty, new GM new coach.

Washington will have new ownership soon, that might be an opening, albeit on a different schedule. I'm not sure how much of a history buff Peyton is (i.e. how high he would score on the Belichick history test), but the idea of following the Vince Lombardi to Washington path might be attractive.

Browns owners not known for their patience.

What about Tennessee? Could they go full rebuild?

 

[Mystic Merlin]

I think Arizona is a certainty, new GM new coach.

Washington will have new ownership soon, that might be an opening, albeit on a different schedule. I'm not sure how much of a history buff Peyton is (i.e. how high he would score on the Belichick history test), but the idea of following the Vince Lombardi to Washington path might be attractive.

Browns owners not known for their patience.

What about Tennessee? Could they go full rebuild?

It would be shocking if they fired Vrabel. If anything, he’s gonna have more power coming out of the Jon Robinson canning.

 

[Rudy's Curve]

I think Arizona is a certainty, new GM new coach.

Washington will have new ownership soon, that might be an opening, albeit on a different schedule. I'm not sure how much of a history buff Peyton is (i.e. how high he would score on the Belichick history test), but the idea of following the Vince Lombardi to Washington path might be attractive.

Browns owners not known for their patience.

What about Tennessee? Could they go full rebuild?

Arizona's GM and coach got long-term extensions before this season. They've had a terrible year but given that and they were a playoff team last season, I think they get another year. Keim had to take a leave of absence for health issues though, so who knows how that affects it.

 

[trekfan55]

It would be shocking if they fired Vrabel. If anything, he’s gonna have more power coming out of the Jon Robinson canning.

Is Tenessee wasting Derrick Henry similar to Detroit doing that to Barry Sanders?

Not their fault that Tannehill got hurt but they do need a better QB. And I think Vrabel is safe.

 

[dynomite]

It would be shocking if they fired Vrabel. If anything, he’s gonna have more power coming out of the Jon Robinson canning.

I agree with this — given Vrabel’s performance as coach (a .600 record, playoffs in 3/4 seasons prior to this one) he seems like someone to build the franchise around, which — to your point — seems to be what they decided to do by firing Robinson.

Interested to see what Vrabel does this off-season at QB. Henry’s aging, and he already has a developmental QB in Willis. Would be an interesting spot for Daniel Jones or Geno. Does he try to persuade Brady? Does he think he can win with Jimmy G?

 

[E5 Yaz]

I'm not sure how much of a history buff Peyton is (i.e. how high he would score on the Belichick history test), but the idea of following the Vince Lombardi to Washington path might be attractive.

Coach for one season, then die of cancer?

 

[Phil Plantier]

Coach for one season, then die of cancer?

Right. Without the cancer thing.

 

[Was (Not Wasdin)]

If Green Bay doesnt make the playoffs, I think Matt LaFleur could be a surprise firing. They seem like they are treading water/moving backwards from the success he had in his first two seasons.

 

[luckiestman]

If Green Bay doesnt make the playoffs, I think Matt LaFleur could be a surprise firing. They seem like they are treading water/moving backwards from the success he had in his first two seasons.

That would be a surprise. He is 46-18

3 years before he got there 23-24-1

 

[Was (Not Wasdin)]

That would be a surprise. He is 46-18

3 years before he got there 23-24-1

It would be a surprise, but:

First two seasons, 26-6.

Last two seasons, 20-12 (so far). Tricky road to the playoffs this year. If they dont make it, that plus the bad home playoff loss last year to SF might be enough for them to bring in someone else to try to squeeze something out of Rogers' last season(s).

They moved on from McCarthy mid season inside of two years from making an NFC championship game, and after a season in which Rogers was out for several weeks.

 

[johnmd20]

It would be a surprise, but:

First two seasons, 26-6.

Last two seasons, 20-12 (so far). Tricky road to the playoffs this year. If they dont make it, that plus the bad home playoff loss last year to SF might be enough for them to bring in someone else to try to squeeze something out of Rogers' last season(s).

They moved on from McCarthy mid season inside of two years from making an NFC championship game, and after a season in which Rogers was out for several weeks.

He's not getting fired. The Pack were the number one seed last year. They made the NFC Championship game the year before.

This year, in a season that went completely off the rails the Pack are somehow back in the playoff hunt. LaFleur is very comfortable in his seat.

 

[rodderick]

It would be a surprise, but:

First two seasons, 26-6.

Last two seasons, 20-12 (so far). Tricky road to the playoffs this year. If they dont make it, that plus the bad home playoff loss last year to SF might be enough for them to bring in someone else to try to squeeze something out of Rogers' last season(s).

They moved on from McCarthy mid season inside of two years from making an NFC championship game, and after a season in which Rogers was out for several weeks.

If 20-12 is close to getting fired territory, I guess Bill should start packing.

 

[Was (Not Wasdin)]

If 20-12 is close to getting fired territory, I guess Bill should start packing.

I missed the part where I said that. Can you point that out for me?

 

[Rudy's Curve]

The Packers are also a pretty stable organization - they've had three coaches since 2000. Even if they miss this year, I can't see how LaFleur gets fired after four years with two CG appearances, two 1-seeds and a 2-seed.

 

[shawnrbu]

If Bill parts ways with the Pats, I could see Green Bay firing LaFleur and hiring BB. Belichick in Lambeau coaching Rodgers would be football heaven.

 

[luckiestman]

If Bill parts ways with the Pats, I could see Green Bay firing LaFleur and hiring BB. Belichick in Lambeau coaching Rodgers would be football heaven.

Well, I will definitely tune in to watch BB do Ayahuasca and go on McAfee’s show with Aaron.

 

[mauf]

With all the in-season firings, I’m not sure there’s any coach left who isn’t at least an even-money bet to keep his job. I don’t think I’d give Stefanski, Smith, or Kingsbury another year, but I think their respective employers will. Matt Eberflus and Josh McDaniels would’ve been on the watch list if we made it six weeks ago, but I think they’ve both done enough in the second half to get a second season. Given the circumstances surrounding his hire last offseason, I think Lovie Smith gets a second season too. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Packers, Chargers, or Cowboys make a change, but I can’t say any of those are likely.

Most likely, one or two of the names/jobs I just threw out there will end up turning over, but hell if I know which ones.

Edit: No idea what will happen to the interims — it wouldn’t shock me if none of them are retained.

 

[Rudy's Curve]

With all the in-season firings, I’m not sure there’s any coach left who isn’t at least an even-money bet to keep his job. I don’t think I’d give Stefanski, Blank, or Kingsbury another year, but I think their respective employers will. Matt Eberflus and Josh McDaniels would’ve been on the watch list if we made it six weeks ago, but I think they’ve both done enough in the second half to get a second season. Given the circumstances surrounding his hire last offseason, I think Lovie Smith gets a second season too. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Packers, Chargers, or Cowboys make a change, but I can’t say any of those are likely.

Most likely, one or two of the names/jobs I just threw out there will end up turning over, but hell if I know which ones.

Edit: No idea what will happen to the interims — it wouldn’t shock me if none of them are retained.

I don't know how good a coach Stefanski is, although he is responsible for the Browns' only playoff appearance in 20 years and win in 28 (he didn't coach the game, to be fair). That being said, he was dealt a pretty horrific hand this year and I thought did as well as possible with Brissett - Watson has been awful after basically two years off and their defense has sucked, so maybe they make a change there. I don't think the Browns are going to do better than him.

 

[Auger34]

With all the in-season firings, I’m not sure there’s any coach left who isn’t at least an even-money bet to keep his job. I don’t think I’d give Stefanski, Smith, or Kingsbury another year, but I think their respective employers will. Matt Eberflus and Josh McDaniels would’ve been on the watch list if we made it six weeks ago, but I think they’ve both done enough in the second half to get a second season. Given the circumstances surrounding his hire last offseason, I think Lovie Smith gets a second season too. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Packers, Chargers, or Cowboys make a change, but I can’t say any of those are likely.

Most likely, one or two of the names/jobs I just threw out there will end up turning over, but hell if I know which ones.

Edit: No idea what will happen to the interims — it wouldn’t shock me if none of them are retained.

I think Kingsbury is done. I could see Lovie getting fired so Caesario can attempt to hire his own coach without the Jack Easterby cloud hanging over him. I think Dennis Allen’s seat is pretty hot too
If the Bucs miss the playoffs I would bet that Bowles and Leftwich both get canned.

 

[NDame616]

I think Kingsbury is done. I could see Lovie getting fired so Caesario can attempt to hire his own coach without the Jack Easterby cloud hanging over him. I think Dennis Allen’s seat is pretty hot too
If the Bucs miss the playoffs I would bet that Bowles and Leftwich both get canned.

I think Leftwich is gone regardless. And I don't see a reasonable scenario where they miss the playoffs

 

[rodderick]

I missed the part where I said that. Can you point that out for me?

You listed it as one of the arguments that could justify LaFleur being on the hot seat, otherwise why point out the record? It's silly to entertain that notion.

 

[j-man]

my 02 cents

Den - it's reich ex indy or quinn or ryans sf dc
Zona kingbarey will be gone
indy i think sat will stay

put on the rader
NE if bill refuses to make off staff changs he couild be shown the door
Cle its 50-50
Hou also 50-50
LAC stockey is safe for now
Dal if dallas fallas to win 2 playoffs games there couild be change here
Car 50-50
NO 50-50
TB more so for 24
sea see tb
Rams i think mcbay will retire in the next year or two

 

[Was (Not Wasdin)]

You listed it as one of the arguments that could justify LaFleur being on the hot seat, otherwise why point out the record? It's silly to entertain that notion.

As it relates to Lafleur, yes. As it relates to BB, as you suggested, no. That’s comparing apples and toaster ovens. pats are worse than 20-12 over the last two seasons and i dont think BB is going anywhere.

 

[luckiestman]

Add Bobby Saleh to the warm seat. Don’t put anything past Woody.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Ron Rivera, too, after not knowing his playoff chances

 

[j-man]

the shock couild be the rams mcbay i feel wants to try tv

 

[nattysez]

Ron Rivera, too, after not knowing his playoff chances

Riverboat Ron has carried a lot of water for Despicable Dan over the years. I think he gets a pass until the team is sold.

 

[DisgruntledSoxFan77]

Add Bobby Saleh to the warm seat. Don’t put anything past Woody.

It’s kinda justified. Hard to go from 6-3 and in prime position for the playoffs to elimination at 7-9 and keep your job. Even if they keep him I wonder if LaFleur is the sacrificial lamb

 

[Justthetippett]

the shock couild be the rams mcbay i feel wants to try tv

I could see him taking the Gruden route (putting Gruden’s recent actions aside). But I have no idea how he’d actually be on TV or as this generation’s football translator to casual fans. He’s not naturally funny or particularly charismatic. Pairing him with Michaels could be interesting. In any case, I could see him leaving the LAR and coming back to them after several years.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Saturday calls out his own players for not doing anything to stop the snow angel celebration:

"Disappointed from the O-line perspective and teammates in general," said Saturday, a former Colts Pro Bowl center. "We protect our own. Y'all know me. I've been here a long time. I'm just going to tread lightly. Obviously, I didn't like it at all. That's where I'll leave it."

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35366350/jeff-saturday-calls-kayvon-thibodeaux-celebration-tasteless-trash

He's not really going to be the coach next year, right?

 

[E5 Yaz]

Lovie out in Houston

https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-fire-head-coach-lovie-smith-after-just-one-season

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

View: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1612483660766187523?s=20&t=sqR4s6obDwWoVJfXYZtdsg


Schefter: The Cleveland Browns, who relieved defensive coordinator Joe Woods of his duties, requested permission today to interview Patriots’ inside LB coach Jerod Mayo for their defensive coordinator job, per source.

Beat writers also mention that Mayo is not under contract for next year.

 

[BaseballJones]

Tell them no, but they can have Patricia instead!

 

[Mystic Merlin]

If Mayo’s goal is to be a head coach, he should take a DC job. I expect it’s been hard, and will continue to be hard, for him to get to the front of the line in HC searches without being able to demonstrate clear responsibility for running a defense.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Kingsbury OUT in Arizona. Again, no surprises here.

 

[jsinger121]

Kingsbury OUT in Arizona. Again, no surprises here.

Hire him Bill since he will be free now.

 

[Super Nomario]

If Mayo’s goal is to be a head coach, he should take a DC job. I expect it’s been hard, and will continue to be hard, for him to get to the front of the line in HC searches without being able to demonstrate clear responsibility for running a defense.

I also think it's good for guys to get experience somewhere else. I think 90% of the "Belichick disciples all fail" is statistical noise combined with selective line-drawing (pretty sure Nick Saban can coach!), but to the other 10% I think a) assistants don't have a lot of perspective on how things work elsewhere (which maybe colors their opinions of why Bill does things the way he does) and maybe more significantly b) none of them (since Weis / Crennel anyway) were here when things were being built. Mayo joined the Pats as a player in 2008 after they'd already won 3 SBs; what in his background prepares him to take over a 5-12 team and turn things around?

 

[E5 Yaz]

Kingsbury OUT in Arizona. Again, no surprises here.

That's a mess of a job for the next guy, given the Murray situation.

 

[Justthetippett]

Kingsbury seems destined to go make a ton of money in college. Maybe try again in the NFL in five years.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Kingsbury OUT in Arizona. Again, no surprises here.

Im only surprised since they were both locked up through 2027. That has to be a hard pill to swallow for ownership and you’re stuck with Murray.